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Recalls

Recall: Shindaiwa Corp. Backpack Blowers Due to Laceration and Impact Hazards

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Name of Product: Shindaiwa Backpack Blowers

Units: About 23,000

Importer: Shindaiwa Corp., of Tualatin, Ore

Manufacturer: Shindaiwa Kogyo Co. Ltd, of Hiroshima, Japan

Hazard: The blower’s impeller (fan) can separate from the base and break apart, causing plastic pieces to be blown out of the machine, and pose a laceration and impact hazard to consumers. The flying pieces also can cause property damage and injury to bystanders. Note: These backpack blowers were previously recalled due to a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Shindaiwa is aware of 13 incidents involving broken impellers. One incident involved a minor head injury and minor property damage to a nearby automobile.

Description: This recall involves Shindaiwa Models EB8510 and EB8510RT. All models up to serial # 7014728 are included. The backpack blowers weigh approximately 24 pounds and include Serial Numbers through February 2007 production (S/N 702XXXX) which are located on the side label. These machines are black and blue with a red and black label that reads, “EB8510, Shindaiwa.”

Sold by: Shindaiwa dealers nationwide from September 2005 through January 2007 for about $600.

Manufactured in: Japan

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the backpack blowers immediately and contact Shindaiwa for the closest dealer location to schedule a free inspection and impeller replacement. Consumers who have registered their equipment should have already received correspondence from Shindaiwa about this recall.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Shindaiwa at (800) 521-7733 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.shindaiwa.com

backpack blower

Recall: Maple Chase Co. Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Monoxide/Smoke Combo Alarms Due to Alarm Malfunction

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Name of Product: FireX Branded 10000 Series Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms and 12000 Series CO/Smoke Combo Alarms

Units: About 280,000

Manufacturer: Maple Chase Company, of Plain City, Ohio

Hazard: The recalled alarms can sound a “double chirp”/fault alarm in the presence of CO, prior to going into full alarm. Upon hearing a double chirp, the Owner’s Manual instructions recommend a consumer take the alarm out of service, which could expose consumers to hazardous levels of CO and suffer injury or death.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall includes FireX branded 10000 and 12000 series alarms with item numbers: 10000, 12000, 12000C, 12000-6, 12200, 12220, 12400, 12400C manufactured between June 1, 2007 and February 1, 2008. The date code appears on the back of the unit with a four digit year, three digit month followed by the day (ex: 2007JUN1 for June 1, 2007). Units with a manufacture date code prior to June 1, 2007 are not included in this recall.

Sold: Commercial electrical distributors and electrical contractors and builders for installation into new home construction. A limited number of units were sold at Menard’s nationwide from June 2007 through February 2008 for about $20 (10000 series) and $30 (12000 series).

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should contact Maple Chase immediately to receive a free comparable replacement alarm and make arrangements to return their recalled alarms. Consumers should not take the alarms out of service until they receive the replacement alarm.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Maple Chase toll-free at (888) 879-3906 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or go to the firm’s Web site at www.firexsafety.com

10000 Front and Back

smake detector

12000 Front and Back

Recall: Baby Bottle and Food Warmers by Munchkin Due to Fire Hazard

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Name of Product: Deluxe Bottle and Food Warmers

Units: About 5,000

Manufacturer: Munchkin Inc., of North Hills, Calif.

Hazard: The bottle and food warmers can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Munchkin has received nine reports of units overheating, several of which ignited, causing damage to countertops. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the Munchkin Deluxe Bottle and Food Warmer with Pacifier Cleaning Basket 2-in-1 Design, model #13301 and lot number TP-1487. The product is used to warm food and bottles of various sizes. The set includes a main basket, a lift-out basket, an adapter ring, and a measuring cup. “Munchkin” is located on the front of the warmer and “TP-1487” is located on the bottom. Only warmers bearing lot number “TP-1487” are included in this recall.

Sold at: Various retailers nationwide and company’s catalog from June 2007 through April 2008 for about $20.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using bottle and food warmers with lot number TP-1487 immediately and contact Munchkin to receive a free replacement.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact customer service toll-free at (866) 619-8673 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.munchkin.com

munchkin bottle warmer

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Sears Brings Samsung Refrigeration Line To Its Stores

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Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Samsung Electronics, have announced the addition of Samsung refrigerators to Sears line-up of leading appliance brands. Beginning in March 2008, Samsung side-by-side refrigerators are available at Sears stores nationwide. Samsung front-loading washers and dryers have been available at Sears since November 2007.

Sears will carry Samsung’s Twin Cooling side-by-side refrigerators. The refrigerator and freezer are independently cooled to maintain optimal humidity levels so food is preserved longer and odor transfer is eliminated. The side-by-side line offers consumers a large 26 cu. ft. of space with innovative design features. Blue LED lights and hidden hinges give the refrigerator a sleek, contemporary look. The refrigerator will be available at Sears in stainless, platinum, white and black.

Sears also carries Samsung’s VRT front-loading washer line. Vibration Reduction Technology is a unique technological breakthrough that reduces vibration and noise from unbalanced loads in the high speed spin cycle, up to 1300 RPM. Consumers can now get the ultimate in quiet operation no matter where they place their laundry pair – even on second floors or close to living areas. The large 3.8 cu. ft. capacity allows even king-sized comforters or multiple pairs of jeans to be washed in one load. The Samsung VRT Front-Loading Washer will be available at Sears in colors such as stratus gray, neat white, and tango red with matching electric and gas dryers and pedestals.

Recall: Onward Manufacturing Gas Grills Due to Fire and Burn Hazard

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Name of Product: Broil King Gas Grills

Units: About 4,800

Manufacturer: Onward Manufacturing Co., of Ontario, Canada

Hazard: The bottom of the cook box that contains the burners can melt or crack as a result of a grease fire. This poses a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Description: This recall includes the Signet, Sovereign and Sovereign XL series gas grills.

Signet series
(model #’s starting with 986xxx) 400 sq. inch cooking surface with 3 burners and drop-
down shelves; includes models with side and rear burners
Sovereign series
(model #’s starting with 987xxx) 450 sq. inch cooking surface with 3 burners and drop-
down shelves; includes models with side and rear burners.
Sovereign XL series
(model #’s starting with 988xxx) 600 sq. inch cooking surface with 4 burners and drop-
down shelves.

The model number can be located on the back panel of the grill.

Sold at: Independent retailers nationwide from February 2006 through April 2008 for between $450 and $700.

Manufactured in: Canada

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the grill immediately and contact Onward Manufacturing for a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For further information, visit the firm’s Web site at www.broilkingbbq.com or call toll-free at (866) 434-7455 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

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onward recall

Fisher & Paykel is Moving to Mexico

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Fisher & Paykel, the New Zealand appliance manufacturer well known for it’s dishwasher drawers and washing machines is consolidating it’s manufacturing and moving to Reynosa, Mexico, just south of the U.S. border.

The range and DishDrawer factory in Dunedin, New Zealand, the refrigeration plant in Brisbane, Australia and the DCS manufacturing plant in Huntington Beach will be relocated to the new facility in the next 12-18 months. The DCS move is expected to be completed by the end of the year, and individual manufacturing lines will be shifted separately to reduce the impact on warehouse inventory. The U.S. operation will continue to employ sales and marketing, customer services, head office and an engineering staff of around 340 employees. The financial benefit of the DCS move is expected to be $6.6 million per year with a one off cost of $7 million, both at pre-tax level.

“This expansion is designed to streamline our manufacturing costs, and bring increased consistency and efficiency to the company’s production process in the U.S. market, “ said Mike Goadby, North American President for Fisher & Paykel Appliances. “It’s an emotional time for all of us, but this move will make us more competitive in the U.S. and strengthen our distribution efforts through making them more efficient.”

With the Reynosa acquisition and the new North American DishDrawer line announced last year, the financial benefits of the new strategy are expected to be around $50 million per year, at a one off cost of approximately $100 million. The cost of the move will be offset by the sale of surplus property in Australia and New Zealand, which could total approximately $100 million.

You can read more here.

Recall: General Electric Gas Dryers Due to Shock Hazard

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Name of Product: GE Gas Clothes Dryers

Units: About 2,100

Manufacturer: GE Consumer & Industrial, of Louisville, Ky.

Hazard: A short circuit in the dryer’s wiring poses a shock hazard to consumers with ungrounded dryers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled gas dryers are 42 inches tall (back with backsplash) and 27 inches wide, and were sold in white. GE gas dryers model number DWXR463GGWW with serial numbers starting with AM, TL, SL, VL, and ZL are included in this recall. To find the model and serial numbers, open the dryer door and look in the lower right corner, in the area that was covered by the door.

Sold by: Retail stores, and authorized builder distributors nationwide from September 2006 through October 2007 for about $440.

Manufactured in: Canada

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled dryers immediately, unplug the dryer, and contact GE for further instructions and to schedule a free, in-home inspection and repair. GE is directly contacting consumers who purchased the recalled dryers.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact GE toll-free at (866) 324-3732 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, and between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, or visit the firm’s Web site at http://geappliances.com

Firm’s Media Contact: Kim Freeman at (502) 452-7819 or kim_freeman@ge.com

reaclled GE dryer door

Recall: DEWALT Table Saws Due to Laceration Hazard

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Name of Product: DEWALT DW744 Jobsite Table Saws

Units: About 13,000

Manufacturer: DEWALT Industrial Tool Co., of Towson, Md.

Hazard: The pivot bracket on the saw can separate which can misalign the blade and the fence and cause kick back. This poses a laceration hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: DEWALT has received one reported incident of the table saw’s blade misaligning. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the 10 inch DEWALT jobsite table saw model number DW744. Date codes included in the recall are 200715 through 200740. The table saws are yellow and black. The model number and date code are located on the name plate on the front of the saw. Table saws with an “X” stamped on the name plate by the date code are not included in this recall.

Sold at: Major home centers and hardware stores nationwide from April 2007 through January 2008 for about $500.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled table saws and contact DEWALT for the location of a service center to obtain a free replacement table saw.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact DEWALT toll-free at (888) 742-9178 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.dewalt.com

Picture of Recalled Table Saw with location of model number and date code

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Recall: Kyodo America LawnBott Lawn Mowers Due to Laceration Hazard

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Name of Product: LawnBott Lawn Mowers

Units: About 530

Importer: Kyodo America Industries Co. LTD., of Lawrenceville, Ga.

Manufacturer: Zucchetti Centro Sistemi S.p.A., of Italy

Hazard: The cutting blades continue to rotate when the mower is lifted from the ground and the spacing on the side of the lawn mower could allow room for a consumer’s foot to go beyond the shield and be struck by the blade. Both instances pose a serious laceration hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Kyodo America has received one report of a consumer lifting the mower from the ground and suffered minor lacerations from the moving blade.

Description: This recall involves LawnBott lawn mowers with model numbers LB2000, LB2100, LB3000, and LB3200. The robotic lawn mowers freely and automatically cut grass by detecting the signal of a perimeter cable. The mowers have a docking station for recharging and a shiny plastic cover sold in red, green or blue. ”Evolution” or “deluxe” is printed on the side of the mower.

Sold by: Kyodo America dealers nationwide from January 2006 through December 2007 for between $1,750 and $2,750.

Manufactured in: Italy

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled LawnBott lawn mowers immediately and contact Kyodo America to register their lawn mowers for repairs that will be ready by the end of June. Consumers who have registered their mower with Kyodo America have been sent direct notification by mail.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Kyodo America at (877) 465-9636 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.lawnbott.com

Picture of Recalled LawnBott Lawn Mower

Picture of Recalled LawnBott Lawn Mower

Recall: Waxcessories Electric Simmer Pots Due to Risk of Fire and Shock

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Name of Product: Electric Simmer Pots

Units: About 830,000

Importer: Waxcessories® Inc., of Dracut, Mass.

Hazard: The simmer pots have wire connections that can become loose, posing a risk of fire and electric shock to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: There have been 161 reports of discolored cords, loose wires, and wires separating from the pot. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The electric simmer pots were sold in a variety of styles and were designed to melt scented wax in a ceramic cup. The cup sits on a ceramic base that contains a 40-watt bulb, socket and electric cord. The recall includes all designs of the electric simmer pots and all item numbers. The words “ELECTRIC SIMMER POT” and the design name are printed on the bar code label, which is located on the bottom of the base. For a complete list of individual item numbers and photos, visit the firm’s recall Web site at www.simmerpotrecall.com

Sold at: Gift and novelty shops nationwide from April 2002 through April 2008 for between $17 and $25.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the simmer pots immediately and contact Waxcessories for instructions on receiving a free replacement product.

Consumer Contact: For further information, call (800) 899-5884 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the recall Web site at www.simmerpotrecall.com

Picture of Recalled Electric Simmer Pot Label - The Product item number is located on the UPC label on the bottom of the electric simmer pot.

Picture of Recalled Electric Simmer Pots - Sample photos of Waxcessories electric simmre pots. Designs and colors will vary.

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